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UK business hit by 'daylight robbery' 1500% price hike for invoicing software

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Why This Matters

The dramatic 1500% price hike for the invoicing software Harvest highlights the risks of sudden pricing changes and shifting business models in the tech industry, potentially impacting small and medium-sized businesses' budgets and operations. Consumers and companies need to stay vigilant about subscription terms and pricing structures to avoid unexpected financial burdens. This case underscores the importance of transparency and stability in SaaS pricing strategies for maintaining trust and customer loyalty.

Key Takeaways

Customers have shared their outrage after an app used by many businesses to track timesheets and produce invoices hiked bills by as much as 1500%, with one person calling it "daylight robbery".

Richard Haldenby, head of UK consultancy firm Salentis, told the BBC his monthly bill had risen from $130 (£95.50) to $2,110.

Others have reported similar price hikes online, with one person, external in the US saying their annual charge went from $2,800 to $23,000.

The BBC has approached Harvest for comment.

Harvest was acquired by the Italian tech company Bending Spoons in 2025, and changed its pricing structure the following year.

Many businesses who pay annually are only now finding out about the increase, as their payment is now coming up for renewal.

Haldenby, whose business consists of up to 15 staff in the UK at any one time, with sister companies also in the US and Australia, said he was "in shock" when he received an email detailing the price changes.

"We have used Harvest in our three companies for at least 15 years and have been loyal and enthusiastic advocates of it," he said.

"But if we were to accept this increase it would double our IT spend for the year, which is completely unaffordable."

Until the change, businesses paid a flat monthly fee for each user.

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